Copy
banner reads: the drumline: december 4th, 2023. the toad is wearing a sign that says happy holidays, and is carrying a plate of decorated cookies. background is a kitchen with white brick wall, a wooden spoon cup, and two mugs of hot chocolate. in the top right of the graphic us a bowl of decorated sugar cookies

Principal’s Notes

You did it, perhaps you didn’t think you would, but you have made it to the week of Fall classes. I know the term isn’t quite wrapped, and no doubt you have a long list of things to do, but the end is in sight.


December can be a wonderful and challenging month. We definitely have less light, then there is the cold weather, and it seems there is so much to do. It can also be a beautiful month, the way the snow blankets everything in white glitter, the holiday light displays that illuminate the dark streets, and the treats that seem to find their way to so many tables. So be kind to yourself this December and to others. While some might be on a holiday high, others might be struggling with some heavy things.


If you or someone you care about is struggling, there is help. In addition to the ongoing resources at Counselling, last week the 9-9-8 National Suicide Crisis Helpline was launched to provide 24/7 support for individuals across Canada experiencing thoughts of suicide or emotional distress. For non-emergency, yet urgent mental health support 24/7, call or text 9-8-8. If you require immediate support to ensure your safety, phone 911, or go to your nearest hospital. If you are on campus,contact Campus Security at 705-748-1011 ext. 1333.


I hope you find some space as classes wind down and in between finishing assignments and studying to find a bit of your own joy. Perhaps take a walk in a neighborhood to see the lights, spend some time with friends and create your own December traditions, maybe bake something yummy to share or get outside and celebrate the snow.

Story Time with Steph

Seasons tidings, fellow humans of LEC!


The end of the semester is approaching quick, and things are beginning to ramp up! As things get busy, and stressful (it’s finals season!), we here at LEC want you to know we are TOADally cheering you on! The final push of the semester is always tough, but I know you’re all wonderful and capable human beings who will thrive and succeed! To support you in thriving and succeeding, and getting you through your last few assignments or exams, we have some awesome events to de-stress and study!


Today, from 4pm-6pm, we have our Procrasti-baking event hosted by our fabulous LEC Cooks team! In the LEC Pit, we have tons of sugar cookies for you to decorate with various icings and toppings! Registration is still open, so don’t forget to register! Hope to see you there!


As well, our wonderful LEC Cabinet team will be coco-ing and cramming (at their Coco and Cram event event!) on December 7th, from 3pm-4pm, in the LEC Pit! They will be handing out some delicious hot chocolate, and our very own Natalie Nelson (from Academic Skills!) will be there to offer tips and tricks on how to succeed during finals! As well, right afterwards (a double feature event! how exciting!), the Cabinet team will be handing out gift bags (with exam care items and goodies!) with PUGS (the Psychology Undergraduate Society) in the JCR, from 4pm-6pm! Stop by to get some treats, and say hello!

Academic Advising

A brown box has a red and blue striped awning above two photos: one of academic advisor Lindy and one of academic advisor Jackie. A blue sign with white text above the awning reads; "degree planning pop up." Below the photos text reads: "Tuesday December 12, 10:00-11:30am, Great Hall, Champlain College." Beside this is the academic advising logo.

Academic Advising is holding a Degree Planning Pop-Up in the Great Hall (Champlain), on Tuesday, December 12th, from 10:00am to 11:30am! Stop by to visit with Academic advisors Lindy and Jackie. Bring any and all questions about degree planning, and degree requirements!

Academic Skills

Tips for Managing Test Stress from Academic Skills 

Short-term stress related to performance can push us to work hard and focus, but too much stress can make us feel unwell, engage in poor coping strategies, and hyper-focus on negative feelings. Here are some tips to help you manage test stress. 

  • Be ready inside and out.  

    • Prioritize sleep, nutrition, connecting to meaningful supports, and laughter! 

  • Know what to expect. 

    • Note down exam details (time, location, format) and materials to bring with you on exam day (student card, pens, pencils, erasers). 

  • Plan to study. 

    • Make a plan to avoid cramming. Check out our Exam Guide for study strategies and a planning template! 

  • Positive visualization. 

    • Visualize yourself in the exam room feeling confident, calm and finishing the test strong. Try to be kind to yourself and interrupt negative self-talk. 

  • Create coping statements. 

    • “If I get anxious, I will practice deep breathing.” “There are other people feeling the same way.” “This is a temporary feeling.” 

  • Practice deep breathing.  

    • Try taking a slow deep breath through your nose for 4 seconds, holding for 4 seconds, breathing out through your mouth for 4 seconds, pausing for 4 seconds, repeat. 

  • Create a calming ritual. 

    • Develop a positive mantra - “I am smart, and I can show it.” 

    • Pick a favourite song that gives you the energy you need and let it be the soundtrack in your head. 

    • Wear or carry a meaningful object (jewelry, watch, small stone, clothing) that you can touch and feel connected.  

For more exam strategies, check out the Academic Skills Exam Guide! 

What’s Coming Up at LEC?

graphic reads: lec cooks presents: procrasti-baking. when: monday, december 4th, 4-6pm. where: lec pit. come destress and decorate some free sugar cookies! picture of snowflake sugar cookies in centre of pale blue circle in the middle of the graphic. lec cooks logo in bottom left corner, lady eaton college logo in bottom right corner. background is a myriad of pale yellow and white blobs, with dark blue accent blobs.

Join the LEC Cooks team on Monday, December 4th, from 4:00pm-6:00pm as we relax and de-stress through procrasti-baking! The Cooks team will provide some toad-ally fabulous sugar cookies for you to decorate. This event is FREE and available for all students to join (though registration is limited)! We encourage you to take a break from the finals grind, and treat yourself to cookies and community! Register here!

graphic reads: toad winner; congratulations to paige on winning our toad giveaway! keep your eye out for future contests! background is a pale blue and yellow, with yellow floral blobs around the edges of the graphic. image of paige with the toad to the left of the graphic, and an image of a toad plush. to the right of the graphic is white text in yellow boxes

Congratulations to Paige for winning our Drumline toad giveaway, and thank you for everyone who participated! Stay tuned to future Drumline campaigns to see other potential ways to win a toad plush, or for any other future contests!

LEC Cabinet Corner

Text reads: LEC Cabinet invites you to... a de-stress event double feature! December 7th Cocoa and Cram: 3pm-4pm LEC Pit. Gift bags with PUGS: 4-6pm ECC 110. background is a pale yellow, and to the bottom of the graphic are clipart of a hot chocolate mug, a piece of lined paper, and gift bags. there is also a cue card that reads: colouring pages included, and come see our affirmation wall!

Gather around the fireplace in the Pit with a cup of hot chocolate or apple cider and study for exams! Cabinet is hosting Coco and Cram on December 7th, from 3-4pm, in the LEC Pit. Academic Skills will also give a presentation on tips for studying for exams and completing take-home exams. 


Following the presentation, there is an opportunity to head down to the JCR (in ECC 110) to receive an exam gift bag! Brought to you by the LEC Cabinet in collaboration with the Trent Psychology Undergraduate Society (PUGS)! The gift bags will be available from 4-6pm (while supplies last).

Musings on Music

Hello Drumline Readers!


Last week was the release of Spotify Wrapped and Apple Music Replay and, because I write a music column, I wanted to share my official statistics on my music listening habits! This week’s music column is thus less of a suggestion list and more of a reveal of my Apple Music Replay (I know the Apple Music is a red flag, but I’m on a family plan and I refuse to pay for Spotify) - but I do like these artists, songs, and albums for a reason, so you could use this blurb as a suggestion list! I will admit I listen to an absurd, almost concerning, amount of music - but that’s why I write about it. Ignore the crazy hours I spend listening to the same thing over and over again, and (hopefully) enjoy my Apple Music Replay!


I listened to 99,234 minutes this year!


My top 5 artists were: The 1975 (at 11,546 minutes), ConcernedApe (at 8,846 minutes), Los Campesinos! (at 2,265 minutes), Lovejoy (at 2,061 minutes), and Mac DeMarco (at 1,943 minutes).


My top 5 songs were: About You by The 1975 (at 406 plays), Heart to Heart by Mac DeMarco (at 272 plays), Somebody Else by The 1975 (at 247 plays), I Always Wanna Die (Sometimes) by The 1975 (at 241 plays), Show Me How by Men I Trust (at 145 plays).


My top 5 albums were: To Pimp a Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar (at 53 plays), Here Comes the Cowboy by Mac DeMarco (at 39 plays), Attention - Single by Doja Cat (10 plays), Love. Angel. Music. Baby. by Gwen Stefani (at 6 plays), and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street by Stephen Sondheim (at 6 plays).

Bookish Babbles

Happy December LEC!


With the stress of assignments and exams upon us and approaching cold weather it is more important than ever to stay cozy. Get some study tips to help ease your academic stress at cocoa and cram or take a study break at procrasti-baking this week. Make sure you’re taking time for yourself as well. For me that means reading a good book, but do whatever is best for you!


Recommendation: Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker, illustrated by Wendy Xu! Witches! LGBTQIA+ characters! Childhood bestfriends! This is a cozy graphic novel featuring baking scenes that is sure to help you de-stress!

Upcoming Events Around Campus

Help bring our books home. Have an overdue library book? Please return it to the library. No late fines! Questions? Contact library@trentu.ca or talk to staff at the Library.

Do you have overdue books? Are you worried about late fines adding up? Worry no more! When you return your books, no fines will be charged (unless you’ve borrowed something special—a course reserve or an interlibrary loan). Even if you’ve had the book so long it’s considered “lost” (a status that comes with a $125 fine), that “lost” fine will disappear when you return the book to the library. 


Did you know you can return our books to any university library in Ontario? Wild, right? Alternatively, you can toss those overdue books in a library drop-box next time you’re on campus. Your librarian friends will appreciate it! There’s a drop-box outside building A in Durham, and one both inside and outside of Bata library.

Create a holiday card for the residents of Fairhaven long-term care home. Drop in December 4th to 15th. Bata Library Atrium. All materials provided

Spread Holiday Cheer: Fairhaven LTC Card-Making Event at Bata Library! 


Join us in spreading joy this holiday season in the Bata Library atrium! From December 4th to December 15th, we invite the entire Trent community to participate in our annual card-making event for the residents of Fairhaven Long-Term Care Home. This heartwarming activity is not only a wonderful way to de-stress during the exam period but also an opportunity to connect with the broader Peterborough community. 

Our card-making stations, located on the main floor (2nd floor) of Bata Library, are equipped with all the materials you need to create holiday cards that will bring smiles to the residents of Fairhaven. 


Last year, we made over 100 cards, and this year, we're aiming to bring even more holiday cheer. Stop by anytime between December 4th and December 15th and join in the festive spirit. 

graphic reads: the national day of remembrance and action on violence against women. wednesday dec 6th, 11am to 2pm, otonabee college foyer. join us for collaborative art making, learn about the significance of the day and pick up free diy vigil kits, self care items and resources. consent at trent logo in top left corner. background is black with rose graphic outline

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

When: Wednesday December 6th from 11am-2pm

Where: Otonabee College foyer at the Symons Campus


Join Consent at Trent in honouring The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. Come by our table to learn about the history and ongoing significance of December 6th, contribute to our collaborative art project, write a note of support to someone in our community impacted by sexual violence or gender-based violence. We'll also have free DIY vigil kits, white ribbons, as well as self care items and resources to take with you.

A graphic promoting the Violence Against Women and Social Reproduction talk. The background of the graphic is green and cream, divided horizontally with the green on top and the cream on the bottom. There is a rectangular headshot of Dr. Nata Duvvury included in the graphic.

Violence Against Women and Social Reproduction: A Talk by Dr. Nata Duvvury

Friday, December 8, 2023  1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
City: Peterborough
Student Centre, Events Space

Students, staff, faculty, and community members are invited to a public talk on Violence Against Women and Social Reproduction by visiting international scholar, Dr. Nata Duvvury, of the University of Galway. 

graphic reads: thinking of suicide? help is available. 9-8-8 toll free, 24/7. background is a pale blue, and in a yellow circle is the 9-8-8 number with call and text clipart. to the right of the graphic is clipart of a and holding a phone, and a hand holding a heart.

Below is the Student Wellness Centre's current messaging around crisis supports (PTBO):

  • For non-emergency, yet urgent mental health support 24/7, call or text 9-8-8.  

  • If you require immediate support to ensure your safety, phone 911, or go to your nearest hospital. If you are on campus, contact Campus Security at 705-748-1011 ext. 1333  

  • Alternatively, students and/or staff may phone Trent Counselling Services at 705-748-1386, Monday-Friday from 9 AM – 4 PM.

Careerspace Resources

green faded picture of the student centre. white text reads careerspace: careers and experiences

Careerspace is here to help you get a jump start on your career! With practical hands-on experiences, workshops, online resources, and career counseling, our services are available to students all year round! Careerspace services are available over the phone, or virtually; students can book the following appointments through their Student Experience Portal.


Visit our office on the 3rd floor of the Student Centre, send us an email, call, or book an appointment on trentu.ca/SEP and start preparing for your future. And remember, don’t wait ‘til you graduate, we’re here to help now! Looking to stay up to date with Careerspace? Connect with our socials: @trentucareerspace on Instagram, @tucareerspace on Twitter, and Trent University Careerspace on Facebook. Book your appointment now!


Follow the following links to find some of our helpful resources, including: upcoming workshops, current community research projects, and in-course bursary options!

And that's all for now... Just kidding, you know we can't end without a toad pun!

The scene is a classroom with three tables, a bookshelf, a chalkboard, and two posters. On the bookshelf sits a toad riding a snail. the chalkboard has math problems, a book, and two toads drawn. One posters is a scenic shot while the other is a wanted poster for the toad riding a snail but he is wearing a disguise. There is a sign that reads "The Toad Academy". At the first table there are 3 toads, a cut of hot croak-o, scissors, and a stack of books. At the second table there are 3 toads, 3 cups of coco, a notebook and some writing utensils. At the third table there is a toad sitting reading a stack of books surrounded by school supplies while a second toad with a dunce hat sticks their tongue in hot coco.